[Verified Answer]: “Essendon, you are dispatched to a…

“Essendon, you are dispatched to a 19-year-old female in an altered conscious state. Code 1, single car.” The call was made by a security guard on scene. On arrival, you find the patient (Anna) conscious and alert but vomiting, accompanied by her friend (Charlotte) who appears intoxicated and is crying. Charlotte reports she believes that Anna had her drink spiked as it is out of character for her to drink to excess. She reports the pair had dinner together earlier that evening and that after two drinks, Anna suddenly became aggressive and was screaming uncontrollably. Security guards escorted them out of the premises and Anna has been vomiting on the curb side ever since. You ask Charlotte to go back inside the bar to retrieve Anna’s handbag. Whilst she is gone, Anna tells you she ingested GHB because she was having thoughts of self-harm and wanted to raise her mood and have a good time. She does not want her friend to know about this, and she is refusing to come with you to hospital. You and your partner attempt to explain the situation to Anna. You advise her of your concerns based on the history that she has provided and her current condition. You tell her you would like to take her to the hospital to get her checked by the doctors as you believe she may have ingested a potentially lethal drug, which could result in her becoming unconscious and not being able to maintain her own airway. Anna maintains her position and refuses your offers of transport to hospital. When Charlotte returns, she states she is happy to take Anna home and care for her there. Task Description Part 1 Your task is to discuss this case study in an essay format with respect to the relevant ethical and legal principles that apply. You should discuss and critically analyse the following themes and how these are relevant to this case and paramedic practice: • Ethical principles • Legislation • Consent and refusal of care • Negligence and duty of care Part 2 Would you transport or not transport Anna to hospital? Justify your decision utilising relevant principles. Include a response to the relevant dot point below. • If you decide to transport Anna what strategies would you employ. Are there any legal avenues at your disposal? • If you decide not to transport Anna what actions would you take to ensure her safety and your protection from possible consequences.